Reja to step down as Lazio coach

Edy Reja says he has left Lazio, rejecting club president Claudio Lotito’s plea for him to continue as head coach.

Reja, 66, twice tendered his resignation during the 2011/12 Serie A season, but was talked round by the Lazio board on both occasions.

The veteran coach has now said he will not be convinced to stay on for the 2012/13 season.

“My adventure at Lazio ends here,” he told Cittaceleste.it.

“President Lotito gave me his support and asked me to stay on.

“Even after my refusal, he invited me to reconsider and take a week to reflect. But I had already made my decision.”

Lazio finished fourth in Serie A, securing Europa League football but missing out on a Champions League qualification playoff berth by two points.